St Patrick’s Day 2024: Events across Northern Ireland to look forward to
Find out what’s happening in your area ☘️
Last updated 7th Mar 2024
Local councils and businesses across Northern Ireland have an array of thrilling St Patrick’s Day celebrations and festivals planned for March 17th.
From traditional music and colourful parades to FREE gigs and local markets, there's going to be so much to see and do this weekend.
Find out what’s happening in your area…
COUNTY ANTRIM
St Patrick's Parade
The traditional St Patrick's Day parade will also bring a sea of colour to the city's streets on Sunday 17 March, starting at 1.30pm from City Hall.
Dance troupes, schools, community groups and musicians will join a cavalcade of colourful floats and circus performers in a free multi-cultural, cross-community celebration, focusing on People, Place and Planet – the key themes in the council's Belfast 2024 programme, which is celebrating the city's creativity throughout the year.
The parade will follow a circular route, via Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place and Donegall Place, before making its way back to City Hall.
St Patrick’s Music Weekend
Starting off the weekend is the Belfast Schools' Traditional Music Performance in conjunction with Glengormley School of Traditional Music on Friday 15 March in 2 Royal Avenue, which is free for the public to view. Make your way to Writers Square on Saturday 16 March at 12 noon for the Outdoor Pipe Band Extravaganza, featuring and celebrating Pipe Bands of the calibre of Drumlough Pipe Band and many more.
On Sunday 17 March make your way to the special Festival Village in Cathedral Quarter featuring live performances from Clare Sands, John Spillane, Pure Blarney, Drumlough Pipe Band, Glengormley School of Traditional Music, bagpipers, Highland dancers and Irish dancing, interactive activities including Bodhrán Circle as well as a variety of food stalls. Nearby is music and dancing at the acoustic stage in Saint Anne's Square and a Céilí in The MAC.
SPAR Craic 10K 2024
St Patrick's Day 2024 will see over four thousand runners 'back for the Craic' as the SPAR Craic 10k road race returns in its full green glory to the streets of Belfast.
The St Patrick's Day race, which will again begin at 9am at Belfast City Hall and end at Ormeau Park, is part of the wider Belfast City Council's efforts to create an all-inclusive celebration of Ireland's national saint.
St. Patrick's Day Céilí
Suitable for everyone, this green themed céilí on St. Patrick's Day is for everyone, whether you're a total newcomer to Irish dancing, or an experienced feisanna champion! Tickets will also be available to purchase at the door on the night for £20 - proceeds go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Slemish Mountain Trail
Why not celebrate the day with a trek up Slemish, connecting with its historical significance to St. Patrick.
According to legend, following his capture and being brought as a slave to Ireland, Patrick worked as a shepherd at Slemish Mountain for about six years, from ages 16 through 22.
St Patrick's celebrations at St George's Market
Kicking off at 12 noon to 1.30pm on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17March, enjoy live traditional music from members of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ).
These musicians and dancers love to perform to audiences all over the world. They are feet-stompingly brilliant. The event is free. You don't need a ticket.
St Patrick's Day at the Giant's Causeway
This St Patrick's Day a Leprechaun Trail will run from 10am to 4pm - find the clues hidden at the secret doors on route to the world-famous stones, in the hope of finding a pot of gold. There will also be Cookie Decorating from 11am to 2pm where little ones can create their own St Patrick's themed cookie.
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
COUNTY DOWN
St Patrick's Day Parade, Downpatrick
Led by St Patrick himself, the St Patrick's Day Parade in Downpatrick on Sunday 17 March 2024 will offer a feast for eyes and ears as swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds.
Festivities across Downpatrick will run from 12 noon to 4pm.
Down Arts Centre Festivities
There are a number for events running all St Patrick's Day long, including children's crafts, entertainment shows, a live harpies and main gallery. Check out their full itinerary online.
St Patrick’s Day Paddle in Warrenpoint
Begin the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in style by joining us on the water for a paddle board event on the beautiful shoreline of Warrenpoint, Carlingford Lough, it all kicks off 9.30am and lasts two hours.
St Patrick's Events, Newry
in Newry, the St Patrick's Day Parade promises to be a visual feast, with community groups, local schools and organisations coming together with the infamous, Beat Carnival, to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. The floats will leave the Quays Shopping Centre at 1pm, finishing in Kildare Street.
The celebrations will continue in the open Ceilidh marquee in Margaret Square and the heart of the town will be a hive of activity with stages in Marcus Square and Hill Street.
COUNTY DERRY/LONDONDERRY
Spring Carnival, Derry/Londonderry
Shake off those winter blues and BOUNCE into Spring with this colourful, fun-filled mini-festival.
The Peace Garden will come to life with fun-filled circus workshops, incredible acrobatic & parkour performances, comedy, magic & interactive performers – all bouncing their way into the new season!
Walled City Music Festival
The Walled City Music Festival returns for live performances with some of the world's finest musicians, including the Ulster Orchestra, Music Beyond Borders and Sons & Daughters of Derry.
Ceol at the Guildhall - Spring Carnival 2024
Escape to the heart of the city, the magnificent Guildhall, for an enchanting afternoon filled with traditional Irish melodies and rhythmic Ceili dances.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to tap your feet, our relaxed ceili atmosphere welcomes everyone.
Traditional Irish Music & Dancing - Spring Carnival 2024
The Craft Village will come alive with the thrilling beats of live traditional music and the infectious energy of Irish dancing! Tap your feet, clap your hands, and let the music lift your spirits!
COUNTY ARMAGH
Saint Patrick’s Festival Walking Tours
Armagh City is the "Home of St Patrick, ' there are countless links with the patron saint and are the only city in the world to have two Cathedrals named after the same saint.
On this leisurely walking tour dive into the history of St Patrick and appreciate the wonderful panoramic views of this city, the ecclesiastical and spiritual capital of Ireland.
Starting Point: Shambles Yard car park, in front of the Johnston Building, Cathedral Road. Finishing Point: The Friary near entrance to the Palace Demesne.
Sunrise with Patrick - Ritual and Renewal
Celebrate the first light of St Patrick's morning with St Patrick himself and the ancient people of Ulster.
Through the first rays of the morning sun cast an eye back to what life and faith may have been like before the arrival of St. Patrick and with our patron saint envisage the new future that Christianity had in store for our land. And afterwards, have breakfast to the sound of live music.
St Patrick's Day Community Parade
This parade is a celebration of our patron saint with a spectacular display of colour, music and entertainment for all to enjoy. The City's wonderful community parade makes its way through the city centre with a route starting at the Christian Brothers' School.
It makes its way through the City onto Cathedral Road, past the Shambles Market before finishing at the grounds of Cathedral Road Recreation Centre. The parade assembles at 2.30pm and returns at 4.30pm.
COUNTY FERMANAGH
St Patrick’s Day Omagh 2024
The annual St Patrick's Day festival returns to Omagh Town Centre on Sunday 17 March 2024 featuring everything from music, song, dance, a parade, family fun and more!
Omagh Town Centre will also come to life with Jigsaw Farm, Exploris Aquarium Touch Tank, Characters and Family Heritage Trail with a fun packed day of entertainment also taking place in Strule Arts Centre from 1pm – 4pm.
Enjoy something to eat at any of Omagh's hospitality venues or the Food Court with local food traders outside Strule Arts Centre.
There is so much to keep you entertained as you wait to see the return of the St Patrick's Day parade as it weaves through the Town Centre at 2.30pm, leaving from Drumragh Avenue continuing on to Market Street, High Street and John Street, finishing at Church Street.
St Patrick’s Day Boat Parade
Enjoy the St. Patrick's Day Parade in the beautiful town of Enniskillen in Fermanagh. The Parade takes place on Sunday 17th March, at 3.30 pm with live music from 1.30 pm.
Saturday
St Patrick's Day Boat Parade
Sunday
1.30 pm – 3.30 pm Family fun @ Broadmeadow. Enjoy live music, entertainment & activities, all for free!
3.30 pm – 4.30 pm St Patrick's Parade will start & end at the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum & make its way through Enniskillen town centre.
Step back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park
St Patrick's Day celebrations kick off Sunday 17th and continue into Monday 18th March at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh.
Discover the traditions of St Patrick's Day and the history of the shamrock as you wander the Folk Park. There'll be live traditional Irish music across Ulster and America, and Irish dancing performances on Sunday 17th March.
Stop by the Mellon House where the table will be filled with traditional foods like colcannon and apple tart, watch traditional craft demonstrations like basket weaving, follow the 'Shamrock Selfie Trail' and get involved in our St Patrick's themed crafts.
COUNTY TYRONE
St Patrick's Day Strabane
Strabane's St Patricks Day Parade sets off at 2pm on Sunday 17th, departing from Holy Cross College, Melmount Road.
Live music, arts and crafts will be available from the Alley, as well as family friendly entertainment, music from various trad groups.
St Patrick's Day Celebrations at Hill of The O’Neill
Hill of The O'Neill & Ranfurly House are showcasing an exciting free St Patrick's event next Sunday from 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
There will be live music (folk, rock, and traditional Irish), face painting, arts, and crafts and much more.
Headlining this year's celebrations is the brilliant County Tyrone Folk-Rock Band, The Porter Bellys! The band offers a dynamic blend of traditional and folk music infused with rock influences, resulting in their distinctive "Rocked-Up Folk" sound.
There will also be live traditional Irish music from members of Coalisland and Clonoe Comhaltas entertaining audiences on Hill of The O'Neill.
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